UConn Extension’s Integrated Water Management Programs and Their Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

A report on the initiatives by the University of Connecticut (UConn) Extension highlights a multi-faceted approach to water resource management in Connecticut. These programs directly address several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by linking water quality to public health, land use, and agriculture, thereby promoting a sustainable and resilient future for the state’s communities and ecosystems.

Advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)

Private Well Water Safety Initiative

UConn Extension, through the Connecticut Institute of Water Resources (CT IWR), provides accessible well water testing programs, addressing a critical need for the nearly 25% of Connecticut residents who rely on private wells for drinking water. This initiative is fundamental to achieving SDG 6 by ensuring access to safe water and directly supports SDG 3 by mitigating health risks associated with waterborne contaminants.

The program educates homeowners on and tests for various contaminants that pose significant health threats, particularly to vulnerable populations and children. These include:

• Arsenic
• Uranium
• Nitrates
• Lead
• Coliform Bacteria

By identifying and facilitating the remediation of contaminated water sources, the program serves as a crucial preventive public health measure, reducing the incidence of chronic illnesses and developmental issues linked to poor water quality.

Integrating Land Use and Water Management for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)

Land Use Education for Water Protection

Recognizing that water quality is intrinsically linked to land management, UConn’s Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) provides essential resources to municipalities. Through programs like NEMO (Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials) and the Land Use Academy, CLEAR supports informed land use decisions that protect water resources, a key component of building sustainable communities under SDG 11.

Implementation of Green Infrastructure

The programs advocate for the adoption of low-impact development and green stormwater infrastructure. These solutions replicate natural hydrological processes to mitigate pollution from stormwater runoff, thereby protecting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems as outlined in SDG 15. Key strategies include:

• Rain gardens
• Bioretention systems
• Pervious surfaces

This approach prevents contaminants from entering water bodies, safeguarding both drinking water sources and the broader environment.

Fostering Sustainable Agriculture and Responsible Production (SDG 12)

Agricultural Water Management Practices

The agricultural sector is identified as a key partner in water stewardship. UConn Extension specialists collaborate with farmers to implement practices that conserve water and prevent contamination, aligning with the principles of responsible production and consumption detailed in SDG 12. This collaboration improves water quality and contributes to a healthier, more sustainable food supply. Areas of focus include:

• Nutrient management plans to prevent runoff
• Soil health improvement initiatives
• Irrigation water testing and management
• Sustainable livestock watering and dairy production methods

Program Impact and Collaborative Pathways (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals)

Quantifiable Outcomes

The integrated efforts of UConn Extension have yielded significant results, demonstrating measurable progress toward sustainability objectives. Key achievements include:

1. A 68% increase in farm acreage where recommended water protection practices have been adopted.
2. The participation of 4,855 residents in educational programs focused on water quality, conservation, and environmental protection.
3. A 65% increase in households implementing measures to protect their private water supply.

A Holistic Approach for a Resilient Future

The success of these programs is rooted in a collaborative, holistic model that embodies SDG 17. By uniting expertise in public health, land use planning, and agriculture, UConn Extension creates synergistic solutions to complex water challenges. This partnership-based approach, involving residents, municipalities, and organizations, is essential for building resilience against climate change and development pressures, ensuring that Connecticut’s water resources remain safe and secure for future generations.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article directly links contaminated well water to health problems, such as the family’s “persistent stomach troubles” and mentions that contaminants can lead to “chronic illnesses” and “hinder child development.” The UConn Extension’s work is described as a “preventive health measure.”
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • This is the central theme. The article focuses on the importance of safe drinking water, detailing the UConn Extension’s well water testing program for contaminants like coliform bacteria, arsenic, and lead. It emphasizes that “water connects everything” and highlights efforts to protect water quality from wells to watersheds.
3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article connects clean water to sustainable agriculture and food safety. It mentions farmers working with UConn Extension on “nutrient management plans, soil health, irrigation water testing and management plans,” which contribute to a “healthier food supply.”
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses the role of land use in water quality. It describes how the Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) helps towns make informed land use decisions and implement “low-impact development and green stormwater infrastructure solutions” to reduce pollution and protect drinking water sources.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article highlights the connection between land management, water quality, and ecosystem health. By promoting practices that prevent runoff and contamination, the programs help “safeguard the health of our… ecosystems” and protect Connecticut’s “streams, lakes, and drinking water.”

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
   • The article addresses this by focusing on testing for and treating water contaminated with “coliform bacteria,” “arsenic, uranium, nitrates, lead,” which are known to cause illnesses. The story of the family getting better after treating their well is a direct example of reducing illness from water contamination.
2. Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • The UConn Extension’s “low-cost well water testing program” is a direct effort to make safe water accessible for the nearly “one in four Connecticut residents” who rely on private wells and bear the burden of ensuring their water is safe.
3. Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution…
   • The article details efforts to improve water quality by addressing pollution from various sources. This includes helping communities manage “stormwater runoff, erosion, and pollution” through green infrastructure and assisting farmers with “nutrient management plans” to prevent agricultural runoff.
4. Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices…
   • The article describes farmers working with UConn Extension on practices like “soil health, irrigation water testing and management plans, livestock watering, and dairy production.” These actions support sustainable agriculture that conserves water and prevents contamination, contributing to a resilient and healthy food supply.
5. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities…
   • The work of the NEMO program in helping towns implement “low-impact development and green stormwater infrastructure solutions like rain gardens, bioretention, and pervious surfaces” directly addresses the goal of reducing the environmental impact of communities by managing pollution from stormwater.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Explicit Indicators: The article provides specific quantitative data on program outcomes, which serve as direct indicators of progress.
   • 68% increase in acres where farms adopted recommended water protection practices: This measures progress towards Target 2.4 and 6.3 by quantifying the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
   • 4,855 residents completed Extension programs on water quality, conservation, and environmental protection: This indicator measures community engagement and education, relevant to achieving several targets through public awareness.
   • 65% increase in households taking steps to protect their water supply: This directly measures progress towards Target 6.1, showing an increase in households ensuring the safety of their drinking water.
2. Implied Indicators: The article’s narrative suggests other ways progress could be measured.
   • Number of wells tested: The volume of tests conducted by the UConn program for contaminants like coliform, arsenic, and lead would be an indicator for Target 6.1 and 3.9.
   • Reduction in waterborne illnesses: The story of the family whose health improved after well treatment implies that a reduction in similar cases could be a key health indicator for Target 3.9.
   • Number of municipalities adopting green infrastructure: The mention of programs helping towns implement solutions like rain gardens suggests that tracking the adoption of these practices would be an indicator for Target 11.6.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: today.uconn.edu